Scottish museums’ approaches to post-colonial narratives

Abstract

This research uses Curating Discomfort in the Hunterian Museum and Glasgow – City of Empire in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum as case studies. This research is the first to examine the new permanent post-colonial displays in these two Scottish museums. The problems addressed are gaps regarding how emerging approaches to post-colonial interpretations can be practically implemented in Scottish museums and how curation processes can be decolonised. The purpose of this research is to determine how Scottish museums present post-colonial narratives, how democratic the curation process was and how effectively these approaches engaged visitors. The research is qualitative and constructivist. The data sources include interviews with relevant museum staff, visitor observations and documentary sources. The data was triangulated and analysed within a multiple case studies design. Whereas the Kelvingrove created an exhibit for these narratives, the Hunterian opted for an intervention centred around existing exhibit space. The key findings show that both projects were curated by temporary curatorial teams managed by an ethnic minority permanent curator. There was minimal outreach to source communities during the curation processes. Glasgow – City of Empire appeals to different types of learners through multiple types of display. Curating Discomfort fails to remind visitors to think critically meaning that the labels too often rely on didacticism. Glasgow – City of Empire prompted more tours of and stops within the space than Curating Discomfort. The research offers a guideline to other museums on how to approach post-colonial projects by highlighting good practice and outlining what pitfalls to avoid.